Microsoft Access Databases - What Are Access Objects?

Microsoft Access Databases - What Are Access Objects?

An Access help database contains what are often known as objects.

These are tables, queries, forms, macros, reports and code.

On the very least you would want a table with a purpose to create a database.

Tables

The table holds any information you enter into the database. Think of it as a container for data. The table could have columns, for instance first name, surname, address1, city, city, zip code.

Every table could have a row or collection of rows. Depending on your data needs you might have more than one table. In an invoicing system you'll have one table containing buyer information and one other that incorporates sales information.

The table is probably a very powerful object in your database. The table may also have an index. The index is used to make searching easier. Tables will be linked different tables through their key fields.

The table could be opened in design view or datasheet view. Design view is the place you will create the table and define the columns, indexes etc. Datasheet view is the place you can enter data into the table.

Types

The shape is a manner of presenting the data. A user may interact with the shape by typing in data or amending or removing information. Types are screens for inputting info to and displaying your data from tables.

Types will be bound to a report source equivalent to a table or a query. With a purpose to save data it has to be sure to one in every of these objects. The shape will include controls corresponding to a text box for getting into data or a label for captions.

You can even have a sub type that sits within the principle form. Typically a sub form is used to show a number of records. A kind can have no information at all. For example a menu type might merely have a few buttons which navigate to other parts of the system. Typically a sub form shall be utilized in a one to many relationship situation. For instance one customer could have many sales.

Queries

A question asks questions of your database and provides answers. It is going to find data primarily based on whatever you ask it to do. Chances are you'll for example decide that you just wish to discover all clients who live in Los Angeles. The question would provde the reply and you could possibly create a report or form based mostly on this answer.

Queries are based mostly on tables and you'll combine tables in your question to carry you the answers. It's also possible to edit knowledge in a question and the underlying table will change.

There are a number of queries available to create. For example it's possible you'll decide to create a question that updates all customers to have a ten% discount. Queries provide a fast technique to manipulate knowledge and will be saved and run every time required.

Reports

Although we are able to use a type for inputting data, reports are what we use for output. The output is sent to the printer.

A report can be based on a table or a query. Similar to forms and sub forms, we can embed a sub report within a foremost report.

Macros

A macro is an motion or set of actions that carry out tasks. A macro can be used together with a button to open a type or report.

Macros in Access are quite highly effective and provide the flexibility to amongst other things to transfer information to a spreadsheet and run queries.

Module

This is the place you may write your own program code to control Access. Macros are nice, however provide no correct error checking and will not immediate you for what to do next.

Anything you do in a macro could be carried out in programming code and you'll get more control. Nevertheless programming takes time to learn and will not be needed for easy applications.

Summary

Mastering the workings of an Access database requires an understanding of the objects it contains. You'll in all probability make use of varieties, tables, queries and reports as a beginner. As you progress chances are you'll discover you need to add more power to your database to suit your business needs. At this point it's possible you'll wish to discover macros and code.